Device &amp; Method for Deterring Back-Lying Snoring Posture

ABSTRACT

Domed articles are disclosed with reinforcements and adaptations for adhesively-applying them to a person&#39;s back while sleeping, to deter against the person sleeping supinely on their back, a posture that is commonly associated with louder and more dangerous snoring. The dome-like articles (1) are typically shaped like a campaign hat in that they have a central dome (or crown region) surrounded by a concentric, relatively-flat annular perimeter (or brim region), (2) have a hypoallergenic adhesive on a flat side of the brim—the side facing the person&#39;s back—for removably securing the domed article to the person&#39;s back, (3) are typically formed from a unitary plastic sheet with complex shapes and surface features that reinforce the strength of the dome to resist collapse when the person rolls onto it, such shapes and features including stress distributors and structural reinforcements such as intersecting arcuate ridges and/or troughs, and (4) have holes or other surface features to allow for ventilation of the space enclosed between the dome and the person&#39;s back.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of previously filed U.S.Provisional Application, Ser. No. 61/555,501, filed Nov. 4, 2011, U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/669,161, filed Nov. 5,2012, as well as U.S. Provisional Application, Ser. No. 62/002,258,filed May 23, 2014. By this reference, the full disclosure, includingthe claims and drawings, of U.S. Provisional Application, Ser. No.61/555,501, U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 13/669,161, andU.S. Provisional Application, Ser. No. 62/002,258, are incorporatedherein as though now set forth in their entirety.

This is a Non-Provisional patent application filed under 37 CFR 1.53(b)and is submitted with an accompanying non-publication request inaccordance with 35 U.S.C. §122(b). Accordingly, the subject matter ofthis application is to be maintained in secrecy until and unlessApplicant files another application claiming its priority and/or allowsan application to publish based on this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of body positioning aids forencouraging the human body to assume a safe and healthy posture whilesleeping and, more particularly, for encouraging a posture that tends tominimize snoring for people who tend to snore.

2. Description of Related Art

Snoring, needless to say, can be annoying to others in the same bed, toothers in the same house, and occasionally even to others living nextdoor. The health of those who snore can also be at serious risk—not justwhen they get kicked, shoved or smothered by their sleepingcompanions—but often due to sleep apnea and/or reduced blood-oxygenlevels that may be associated with snoring.

It has long been known that many people snore more commonly or moreloudly and dangerously when they sleep lying on their backs. Snoring andobstructive sleep apnea are at much greater risk when they sleep ontheir backs, largely because the tongue and the muscles and surroundingtissue in the throat typically relax during sleep. When people are in arelaxed sleep state, if they are already on their back or if they rollor move onto their back, the relaxed tongue and throat tissue tends toslump backwards to partially block the airway to their lungs. The airthey are breathing necessarily speeds up as it moves through thesmaller, blocked opening of the airway, and the fast-moving air thencauses the loose surrounding tissue to vibrate, which causes the noisethat we call snoring. As a result, those who live with loud snorersquickly learn to nudge the snorer into another position in order to stopor reduce the snoring.

Likewise, numerous innovative problem solvers have developed devices andmethods for keeping people from sleeping on their backs and from rollingor moving into a back-lying position while they sleep. Perhaps mostfamous, many have long known about the approach of sewing a tennis ballinto the pocket of a T-shirt and having a snorer wear the tennis ballshirt backwards when they sleep, which keeps them off their back becauseit is uncomfortable to sleep on a tennis ball. Many others have longtried to resolve snoring challenges with variations on that ancientball-sewn-in-a-pocket concept, such as is shown, for example, in U.S.Pat. Nos. 2,304,235 and 5,893,365.

Unfortunately, despite that problems with snoring have been common sincethe dawn of time, and despite that many have long been trying to resolvesuch problems, few have succeeded in developing an affordable solutionthat works well on a consistent basis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment 10 of the deviceof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment 10 of the deviceof the present invention showing the exterior structures of the device.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment 10 of thedevice of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A & 4B are perspective views of the preferred embodiment 10 ofthe device of the present invention showing the adhesive system.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment 10′ of thedevice of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment 10 of the deviceas positioned on the back of a sleeping subject 100.

FIGS. 7A & 7B are elevational side views of an individual using thedevice of the present invention on a sleep support surface (mattress).

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the alternative embodiment 10′ of thedevice of the present invention showing the exterior structures of thedevice.

FIG. 9 is a long axis side elevational view of the alternativeembodiment 10′ of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a short axis side elevational view of the alternativeembodiment 10′ of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the alternative embodiment 10′ of thedevice of the present invention showing the interior structures of thedevice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is made first to FIG. 1 which provides a perspective view of apreferred embodiment of the device of the present invention constructedfrom a unitary molded plastic material. In the perspective view of FIG.1, the various external features of the device are disclosed.Supine-deterrent 10 is generally seen to be a hat-shaped device, shapedsimilar to a campaign hat, sized and configured to be removably placedon the back of the person.

As described above, the basic purpose of the device is to consciously orsubconsciously deter the person from sleeping on the person's back, aposition which tends to increase the incidence and severity of snoring.Because snoring while sleeping is frequently associated with theorientation of the sleeper on the sleeper's back, the device of thepresent invention serves as a manner of reducing the incidence ofsnoring while sleeping. The structure of supine-deterrent 10 providesjust enough of a conscious or subconscious distraction or discomfort asto cause the person to move into a position where such discomfort nolonger exists or occurs. In general, this means moving from a positionwhere the person's back is against the relatively firm surface of thesleeping platform (mattress) to a position where such contact is notbeing made. Further details regarding this functionality are describedin conjunction with FIGS. 7A and 7B below.

FIG. 1 shows in detail the various exterior structural features ofsupine-deterrent 10 that provide its rigidity, comfort, and ease ofpositioning and placement for use of the device. The overall hat-shapedconfiguration, similar to the shape of a campaign hat, ofsupine-deterrent 10 includes contact annulus 12 which is a relativelyflat ring perimeter region that, on an underside surface (not shown),provides the contact point between the device and the skin surface ofthe person's back. Although FIG. 1 shows contact region 12 as aring-shaped annulus 12, those skilled in the art will recognize thatsuch contact region could be comprised of other shapes, including, butnot limited to, a rectangle, an oval (such as represented by theembodiment of FIGS. 5, and 8-11), a square or an irregular shape. Asbest evident in FIG. 3, contact annulus 12 has a substantially planarlower surface 12 a. The lower surface of contact annulus 12, shown in anunflexed position in FIG. 3, is completely planar; however, when thedevice of the present invention is in use on the back of a person,contact annulus will flex along the surface of the person's back. Thus,when the device is operatively positioned on the back of a person,contact annulus 12 is slightly less than planar so that contact annulus12 may conform to the surface of the person's back which results incontact annulus 12 having a substantially planar lower surface. Themanner of adhesively attaching the device of the present invention tothe person's back is described in more detail below.

Extending concentrically within contact annulus 12 is reinforced domeregion 14 of supine-deterrent 10. The dome region 14 in FIG. 1 is agenerally spherical section, whereby the walls converge such that thespace defined by the walls reduces at further distance from therelatively larger opening near the base of the dome. Those skilled inthe art will recognize that the dome may not just be a spherical sectionbut may also have other non-spherical shapes whereby the walls convergein an analogous manner. In the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 5and 8-11, the dome may generally be shaped as an ovoid surface such thatits walls 826 and 828 generally converge toward one another at distancesfurther from its base 512. In still another alternative embodiment (notshown), the dome may be shaped as, or may include, a frustoconical shapewherein the walls of the dome analogously converge toward one another inlinear relationship to the distance from the dome's base. A rectangularpyramid shape is used in further alternatives whereby the wallsanalogously converge toward one another in linear relationship to thedistance from the dome's base and define a rectangular shape. Stillother alternatives use other irregular shapes such that all the walls ofthe irregular shape analogously converge toward each other in linearrelationship to the distance from the base of the dome structure.

For structural reinforcement of the dome shape, positioned near thecenter of reinforced dome region 14, are arcuate ridges 18 a-18 d. Inthe preferred embodiment of the present invention, arcuate ridges 18a-18 d comprise long cylindrical convex elevations that together form across-shaped eminence centered on the apex of reinforced dome region 14of the device. These arcuate ridges 18 a-18 d primarily providestructural strength to the dome shape of the device. Without suchchanges in the plane of the surface orientation, and therefore the wallstructure of the dome-shaped device, there would be a tendency for thedome shape to collapse when a direct force might be exerted on the apexof the dome. Arcuate ridges 18 a-18 d, structured as shown, providemulti-directional structural support to what otherwise would be a flator simple curve wall structure.

Flat ridges 19 a-19 d are orthogonally arranged around the upper surfaceof contact annulus 12. These flat ridges 19 a-19 d provide furtherstructural support for reinforced dome region 14. Flat ridges 19 a-19 dare generally rectangular in shape and their raised character formairflow apertures 360, positioned along the lower surface of contactannulus 12 and described in further detail below.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the device ofthe present invention highlighting in greater detail the structures andcontours of the various external features of the device as brieflydescribed in conjunction with FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, supine-deterrent 10 isshown to be constructed from a generally circular-shaped device havingcontact annulus 12 as well as reinforced dome region 14 as describedabove. Along the peripheral edge of contact annulus 12 is perimeterflange 22. Forming reinforced dome region 14 are dome base walls 26 anddome top wall 28. Arcuate ridges 18 a-18 d are shown as they arepositioned and configured within dome top wall 28.

Dome base walls 26 are shown below dome top wall 28 forming reinforceddome region 14. These dome base walls 26 provide the person with theability to grasp the device using (for example) the thumb of the hand onone of the dome base walls, and the forefinger or two fingers of thesame hand in the opposing dome base wall, in a manner similar to gripindentations 16 a and 16 b as shown in FIGS. 5, 8, 9 and 10. In thismanner the person may slightly squeeze the device to grip it firmly fororientation positioning and placement on the person's back.

The device of the present invention is preferably molded from alightweight but resilient plastic material, being die-stamped on a punchpress from sheet stock of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET)with a thickness of 0.0175 inches. Examples of other suitable plasticsinclude high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), lowdensity polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), high impact polystyrene(HIPS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), andpolycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS). The importantaspects of the material for purposes of the present invention are itsweight and rigidity. The material should also have enough bendingplasticity (i.e. not be brittle) to prevent the formation of sharp edgesor cracking even under excessive crushing force. Additionally, thematerial should be resilient such that, in the event of collapse underforce, the dome shape tends to flex back.

Reference is next made to FIG. 3 which provides a side elevational viewof the preferred embodiment of the device of the present inventionshowing in profile the elevational configuration of the device and thevarious sections of its domed structure as described above.Supine-deterrent 10 is seen to comprise contact annulus 12 andreinforced dome region 14. Reinforced dome region 14 is made upprimarily of dome base walls 26, dome top wall 28 and dome intermediatewall 30. Dome intermediate wall 30 presents a more convex surface thandome top wall 28. It is recognized that each of these various regionsand sections of the overall hat-shaped domed structure provide someparticular function with regard to rigidity and durability.

Associated with contact annulus 12 is perimeter flange 22 which extendsbeyond the edge of contact annulus 12. Perimeter flange 22 provides abenefit when removing supine-deterrent 10 by presenting a lip for theperson to grasp. In conjunction with contact annulus 12, perimeterflange 22 provides strength and presents a relatively flat bottomsurface that is more favorable for skin contact, thereby separating thethin edge of the perimeter from the skin.

Although not shown well in FIG. 3, the transitions between perimeterflange 22 and contact annulus 12, as well between contact annulus 12 andthe inside of dome base wall 26, include a smooth radius to minimizepressure concentration on the person's skin.

Airflow aperture 360 is shown in this view positioned on the lower edgeof supine-deterrent 10 between adhesive layer 40 and the device of thepresent invention. When, as described in detail below, the device of thepresent invention is adhered to the back of the person, some airflowbetween the interior enclosure defined by the device and the open airexterior of the device is desirable in order to prevent the person fromsweating and the resultant discomfort that is typically brought about bythe absence of any such airflow. Although the location of airflowaperture 360 results in an opening that tends to partially collapse whenoperatively positioned on the back of a person, its effective locationbetween the polyethylene dome portion and adhesive layer 40 allows forcost saving in production. With added expense, alternative vent holesmay be positioned in other locations such as the peripheral ends ofarcuate ridges 18 a-18 d or dome top wall 28.

Referring again to FIG. 3, angle 380 is shown as the angle between theperson's back with supine-deterrent 10 attached and dome base wall 26.Angle 380 is an obtuse angle which provides further support for the domeshape of supine-deterrent 10. The converging character (i.e. its conicalnature) enhances structural stability such as with heavier subjects andsubjects who move frequently during sleep. This converging characteralso provides benefits that ease manufacturing.

FIG. 3 also discloses adhesive layer 40 positioned on the underside ofcontact annulus 12. Adhesive layer 40 represents one of a number ofdifferent methods for adhering the supine-deterrent device of thepresent invention to the back of the person. Adhesive layer 40 maypreferably be constructed of double-coated medical tape with a medicalskin adhesive compound such as that utilized on bandages and the like,that provides sufficient adhesion to prevent movement or removal of thedevice from the skin unless a specific and direct force is exerted onthe device. The tape comprises hypoallergenic pressure-sensitiveadhesives with a high initial adhesion to a very wide range ofsubstrates. In the preferred embodiment, it is important that the devicenot slide sideways across the skin of the person and remain positionedboth in a given location on the person's back and preferably in a givenorientation (described in more detail below). The character of adhesivelayer 40 must, however, be such as to not cause great discomfort in andof itself when the device is removed when the person finally awakes andno longer has need of the device.

FIGS. 4A and 4B disclose adhesive layer 40. FIG. 4A discloses adhesiveprotective layer 42 which, when removed by peeling from adhesive layer40, exposes the double-sided medical tape so that a subject can attachsupine-deterrent 10 to the subject's back. Pull-tab 46 is a flap-likeextension on adhesive protective layer 42, providing a grasp point for aperson to remove adhesive protective layer 42. FIG. 4B provides aperspective view of the sequence of attachment of adhesive protectivelayer 42, adhesive layer 40 and plastic sheet material 44. Duringassembly, adhesive layer 40, with the attached adhesive protective layer42, is applied to the mold of plastic sheet material 44.

Some appropriate adhesive compounds may provide the ability for re-useof the device with the same adhesive layer without the need for theconstant replacement of the adhesive material. Some such medicaladhesives are known in the art that allow for the temporary removal of abandage or the like and its replacement after examination of the skinsurface beneath the bandage. Such adhesive materials may be utilized inconjunction with the device of the present invention, up to a period ofre-use where adhesive layer 40 might preferably be replaced. Variousprotective steps may be taken to extend the life of the adhesivematerial, such as the use of storage sheets that may be placed over theadhesive surface when the device is not in use and removed when thedevice is to be placed into use.

The device of the present invention may preferably be manufactured andsold in packages of two with each device re-usable for as many as 5-10days without the need to renew the adhesive. Additional double-sidedadhesive foam circular rings may be provided within the package so as toallow the person to renew the adhesive layer and further extend theusable life of the device. Various other methods for renewing theadhesive on the underside of the device are anticipated. Although thedevice may preferably have a complete circular ring of adhesive on thebase, this is not essential and an appropriate level of adhesion may beobtained by a number of adhesive patches spaced about the circularperimeter underside of the device.

Reference is made to FIG. 5 which provides a perspective view of analternative embodiment of the device of the present inventionconstructed from a unitary molded plastic material. In the perspectiveview of FIG. 5, the various external features of the device aredisclosed. Supine-deterrent 10′ is generally seen to be a helmet-shapeddevice sized and configured to be removably placed on the back of theperson. As described above, the purpose of the device is to consciouslyor subconsciously deter the person from sleeping on their back. Becausesnoring while sleeping is frequently associated with the orientation ofthe sleeper on their back, the device of the present invention serves asa manner of reducing the incidence of snoring while sleeping. Thestructure of supine-deterrent 10′ provides just enough of a conscious orsubconscious distraction or discomfort as to cause the person to moveinto a position where such discomfort no longer exists or occurs. Ingeneral, this means moving from a position where the person's back isagainst the relatively firm surface of the sleeping platform (mattress)to a position where such contact is not being made. Further detailsregarding this functionality are described in conjunction with FIGS. 7Aand 7B below.

FIG. 5 shows in detail the various exterior structural features ofsupine-deterrent 10′ that provide its rigidity, comfort, and ease ofpositioning and placement for use of the device. The overallhelmet-shaped configuration of supine-deterrent 10′ includes contactedge region 512 which is a relatively flat ring perimeter region that,on an underside surface (not shown), provides the contact point betweenthe device and the skin surface of the person's back. The manner ofadhesively attaching the device of the present invention to the person'sback is described in more detail below.

Extending concentrically within contact edge region 512 is reinforceddome region 514 of supine-deterrent 10′. On either side of reinforceddome region 514 are positioned grip indentations 516 a and 516 b.Positioned near the center of reinforced dome region 514 are rigiditycross-channels 518 and airflow apertures 520. In an alternativeembodiment of the present invention, rigidity cross-channels 518comprise a long cylindrical indentation channel crossed by a shortcylindrical indentation channel that together form a cross-shaped recesscentered on the apex of reinforced dome region 514 of the device. Theserigidity cross-channels 518 primarily provide structural strength to thedome shape of the device. Without such changes in the plane of thesurface orientation, and therefore the wall structure of the dome-shapeddevice, there would be a tendency for the dome shape to collapse when adirect force might be exerted on the apex of the dome. The channels,structured as shown, provide multi-directional structural support towhat otherwise would be a flat or simple curve wall structure.

Airflow apertures 520, four orthogonally arranged holes in thealternative embodiment shown in FIG. 5, provide airflow between theinterior and exterior of supine-deterrent 10′. When, as described indetail below, the device of the present invention is adhered to the backof the person, some airflow between the interior enclosure defined bythe device and the open air exterior of the device is desirable in orderto prevent the person from sweating and the resultant discomfort that istypically brought about by the absence of any such airflow.

Grip indentations 516 a and 516 b are provided on either side ofreinforced dome region 514 and serve both the purpose of providingadditional structural rigidity to reinforced dome region 514 andproviding an easy means for the person to grasp the device, position itand place it appropriately on their back. While the exact placement ofthe device is not so critical (see discussion below), there is apreference for positioning and placing the device within a region thatwill most likely encounter the mattress surface when the person turnsduring sleep into a position that might result in a back-sleeping state.Grip indentations 516 a and 516 b therefore provide an easy means forhandling supine-deterrent 10′ while the proper positioning and placementof the device by the person is being carried out.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the device ofthe present invention highlighting in greater detail the structures andcontours of the various external features of the device as brieflydescribed in conjunction with FIG. 5. In FIG. 8, supine-deterrent 10′ isshown to be constructed from a generally oval-shaped device havingcontact edge region 512 as well as reinforced dome region 514 asdescribed above. Forming contact edge region 512 are perimeter base 822and perimeter riser 824. Forming reinforced dome region 514 are domebase walls 826 and dome top wall 828. Rigidity cross-channels 518 areshown as they are positioned and configured within dome top wall 828.Rigidity long channel 830 extends partially across the long axisdiameter of oval-shaped supine-deterrent 10′ while rigidity shortchannel 832 extends along the short axis diameter of the oval.

Grip indentations 516 a and 516 b are shown on either side of dome topwall 828 formed within reinforced dome region 514, primarily within domebase walls 826 and extending to a degree into dome top wall 828. Eachgrip indentation 516 a and 516 b comprises a grip wall 836 a and 836 band a grip base 834 a and 834 b, respectively. These grip indentations516 a and 516 b comprising the walls and bases as described, provide theperson with the ability to grasp the device using (for example) thethumb of the hand in one of the grip indentations, 516 a for example,and the forefinger or two fingers of the same hand in the opposing gripindentation, 516 b for example. In this manner the person may slightlysqueeze the device to grip it firmly for orientation positioning andplacement on the person's back.

Referring once again to FIG. 8, airflow apertures 520, numbering four inan alternative embodiment, are positioned on dome top wall 828 in anequally spaced orthogonal manner that optimizes airflow through thedevice. This airflow results from the apertures being positioned nearthe apex of the device (away from the skin surface of the person) in asufficient number as to allow for ordinary (unforced) airflow from theinside of the device to the outside ambient air.

Reference is next made to FIG. 9 which provides a long axis sideelevational view of an alternative embodiment of the device of thepresent invention showing in profile the elevational configuration ofthe device and the various sections of its domed structure as describedabove. Supine-deterrent 10′ is seen to comprise contact edge region 512and reinforced dome region 514. Contact edge region 512 is made up ofperimeter base 822 and perimeter riser 824. Reinforced dome region 514is made up primarily of dome base walls 826 and dome top wall 828. It isrecognized that each of these various regions and sections of theoverall helmet-shaped domed structure provide some particular functionwith regard to rigidity and durability.

FIG. 9 also discloses from the side view, the configuration of gripindentation 516 a with grip base 834 a and grip wall 836 a. Two ofairflow apertures 520 are shown in this view extending across dome topwall 828 to a point where a matched pair of airflow apertures 520 allowsfor a similar influx and outflow of air from the interior of the device.

Rigidity short channel 832 is visible in this orientation view along thelong axis of the oval-shaped supine-deterrent 10′. FIG. 9 also disclosesadhesive pad 940 positioned on the underside of perimeter base 822 ofcontact edge region 512. Adhesive pad 940 represents one of a number ofdifferent methods for adhering the supine-deterrent device of thepresent invention to the back of the person. Adhesive pad 940 maypreferably be constructed of a medical skin adhesive compound such asthat utilized on bandages and the like, that provides sufficientadhesion to prevent movement or removal of the device from the skinunless a specific and direct force is exerted on the device. In thepreferred and alternative embodiments, it is important that the devicenot slide sideways across the skin of the person and remain positionedboth in a given location on the person's back and preferably in a givenorientation (described in more detail below). The character of adhesivepad 940 must, however, be such as to not cause great discomfort in andof itself when the device is removed when the person finally awakes andno longer has need of the device.

Some appropriate adhesive compounds may provide the ability for re-useof the device with the same adhesive pad without the need for theconstant replacement of the adhesive material. Some such medicaladhesives are known in the art that allow for the temporary removal of abandage or the like and its replacement after examination of the skinsurface beneath the bandage. Such adhesive materials may be utilized inconjunction with the device of the present invention, up to a period ofre-use where adhesive pad 940 might preferably be replaced. Variousprotective steps may be taken to extend the life of the adhesivematerial, such as the use of storage sheets that may be placed over theadhesive surface when the device is not in use and removed when thedevice is to be placed into use.

The device of the present invention may preferably be manufactured andsold in packages of two with each device re-usable for as many as 5-10days without the need to renew the adhesive. Additional double-sidedadhesive foam oval rings may be provided within the package so as toallow the person to renew the adhesive layer and further extend theusable life of the device. Various other methods for renewing theadhesive on the underside of the device are anticipated. Although thedevice may preferably have a complete oval ring of adhesive on the base,this is not essential and an appropriate level of adhesion may beobtained by a number of adhesive patches spaced about the oval perimeterunderside of the device.

Reference is next made to FIG. 10 which is a view similar to that shownin FIG. 9, but oriented orthogonally (90°). In this view, contact edgeregion 512 is again shown to comprise perimeter base 822 and perimeterriser 824. Reinforced dome region 514 is again shown to comprise domebase walls 826 and dome top wall 828. Positioned on dome top wall 828are rigidity cross-channels 518 with rigidity long channel 830 primarilyvisible in this view.

Grip wall edges 836 a and 836 b of grip indentations 516 a and 516 b arealso seen in this view. The view of FIG. 10 shows that the gripindentations are primarily established near their base and actuallyextend outward from dome base walls 826 near their top portions. Thisagain provides an appropriately oriented pair of surfaces for the personto grip the device and position it accurately on the person's back.Perhaps even more importantly, these grip surfaces provide an easy meansfor the person to grasp and remove the device after use.

The remaining features discussed with regard to FIG. 9 are likewiseshown in FIG. 10 and include airflow apertures 520 as well as adhesivepad 940 positioned on the underside of perimeter base 822.

Reference is next made to FIG. 11 which is a bottom plan view of analternative embodiment of the device of the present invention showingthe interior structures of the device. From this view it can be seenthat the interior structures do not necessarily directly correspond tothe configuration of the exterior features, as if the device were simplya formed and shaped thin walled structure. Supine-deterrent 10′ in thisview of FIG. 11 is shown to again comprise perimeter base 822 on whichis positioned adhesive pad 940. Extending interior to perimeter base 822are dome base walls 826 which generally do coordinate and correspondwith the exterior appearances of these same structures.

In a similar manner, dome top wall 828 reflects a portion of itsstructure as viewed from the exterior of the device, albeit with fewercontours that reflect variations in the thickness of the walledstructure (from dome base walls 826 up to dome top wall 828) that areprovided, again so as to improve the overall rigidity of the device. Inthis same manner, rigidity long channel 830 is seen as a cylindricalridge extending into the interior of the device with rigidity shortchannel 832 likewise forming a crossing ridge to again structure theapex of the device with greater strength.

Airflow apertures 520 are shown as they extend into the interior ofsupine-deterrent 10′ in order to allow the flow of air from the interiorto the exterior ambient air when the device has been placed on theperson's back and adhesive pad 940 adheres to the skin of the person'sback. Absent airflow apertures 520, adhesive pad 940 would seal off theinterior from the exterior ambient air in a way that would confine andcontain the natural sweat of the person thereby causing eventualdiscomfort and possible the release of the adhesive material from theperson's back.

Reference is finally made to FIGS. 7A and 7B which provide elevationalside views of an individual using the device of the present invention ona sleep support surface, such as a mattress. Those skilled in the artwill recognize that, in addition to the preferred embodiment shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B, other alternative embodiments could also be shown beingused in a similar manner. FIG. 7A shows supine-deterrent 10 of thepresent invention positioned on an individual 54 sleeping on sleepsupport platform 50 using headrest or pillow 52. Supine-deterrent 10 ispreferably placed within a target placement region 56 on the person'sback. This target region is defined as that area of the person's backwhere skeletal support would cause contact between the supine-deterrent10 and sleep support platform 50 in a manner that would be uncomfortableenough to alert the person, consciously or subconsciously, of the needto turn away from a back sleeping position. In other words, placement ofsupine-deterrent 10 too far to one side or the other, for example on theshoulders of the person, may not provide enough direct contact betweenthe device and the mattress to give rise to the necessary level ofdiscomfort to deter the person from remaining in the back sleepingposition.

FIG. 7B shows what would occur when the person turns into a backsleeping position wherein direct contact between supine-deterrent 10 andsleep support platform 50 is made. As long as the sleep platform (themattress) is sufficiently firm, there will be enough force upward onsupine-deterrent 10, and therefore upward on the back of the individual54, to create just enough discomfort to deter the person from sleepingon their back. Experience has shown that this level of discomfort issufficient to re-direct the sleep position of the person withoutnecessarily awakening the person for such purpose. In other words, thesubconscious or sleep conditioning effect of the device is more thansufficient to deter the person from turning to or remaining in a backsleep position for any length of time.

A person using a device of the present invention may position and adherethe device on their back prior to laying down on the sleep surface andfalling asleep. When its adhesive surface is adhered to the body, thedevice serves to passively deter the individual from moving into aposition that puts weight on the dome of the device, such that it can beadhered in a position to passively deter the individual from moving intoan undesired position while sleeping. By adhering the device tocorresponding regions of the body, this serves to prevent and minimizenocturnal repositioning and/or unintended weight loading of body partsfor subjects who need to avoid as much and, in the case of those proneto snore on their backs, serves to prevent, minimize and deter snoring.Hence, as described above, by adhering the device to a subject's back,it is preferably used to deter an individual from turning onto theirback during sleep and thereby deter snoring that often results from aback sleeping orientation. When the person wakes after sleep and exitsthe sleep surface, they may simply reach around to grasp the device(again as described above) and remove it from their back. The preferredreusable adhesive material may then be temporarily covered by a thinflexible sheet of plastic to prevent the accumulation of dirt and duston the adhesive surface during non-use.

Although the present invention has been described in conjunction withthe above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognizethat certain modifications to the size, structure, and geometricconfiguration of the device may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention. Although the various features of thedevice have been described with regard to their function and thereforesome manner of their configuration, variations on these configurationsare anticipated. While the circular shape of the device, for example,lends itself to greater ease of handling and placement, the shape mayjust as readily take on a ovoid configuration with little degradation inthe functionality of the device. In a similar manner, greater elongationof the device along the long axis of the oval may occur as long as theentire device may still be positioned firmly and flatly against thecontours of the person's back.

The size of the device is, of course, variable, but must be large enoughto provide the necessary minimal discomfort to deter sleeping on thedevice and yet must be small enough to adhere to the back securelydespite the various contours of the back that naturally occur. Thediameter of the preferred embodiment of the device of the presentinvention is approximately five inches, the diameter at the base ofreinforced dome region 14 is approximately three and one-half inches,and the height of the preferred embodiment is approximately two inches.However, those skilled in the art will recognize that such modificationsas to geometries and structures are natural variations that stillproduce a device that achieves the desired function and purpose.

1. A device for deterring snoring posture in human subjects, said devicecomprising: an article of manufacture, said article having a dome with acentral axis such that said dome is radially oriented about said centralaxis; a flexible annulus positioned concentrically with said centralaxis of said dome at the base of said dome, said annulus having asubstantially planar lower surface, said substantially planar lowersurface extending from the base of said dome in a plane that isperpendicular to said central axis, said substantially planar lowersurface being positionable in proximity with a human subject's skin onthe human subject's back, said annulus being flexible to enableconformity of said substantially planar lower surface relative to thecontour of that skin; and a contact adhesive on said substantiallyplanar lower surface of said annulus for adhering said annulus to theskin of the human subject's back.
 2. The device as defined in claim 1,wherein said article is formed from a sheet material.
 3. The device asdefined in claim 2, wherein said article is preferably molded from aresilient lightweight plastic material, being die-stamped on a punchpress from sheet stock of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate with athickness of 0.0175 inches.
 4. The device as defined in claim 1, whereinsaid dome has a shape including the general shape of a sphericalsection.
 5. The device as defined in claim 1, wherein said dome furthercomprises a plurality of arcuate ridges positioned orthogonally alongthe upper portion of the outer surface of said dome as structuralreinforcement for said dome.
 6. The device as defined in claim 1,wherein said dome further comprises dome base wall, dome intermediatewall and dome top wall, and wherein said dome top wall forms the apex ofsaid dome, and said dome intermediate wall provides a generally smoothtransition between said dome top wall and dome base wall.
 7. The deviceas defined in claim 1, wherein the lower surface of said annuluscomprises a plurality of surface recesses that depart from the generallyplanar shape of that lower surface such that when operatively positionedon the skin of the back, said surface recesses tend to form an openingdefining airflow apertures which allow for air exchange between saidannulus and the skin.
 8. The device as defined in claim 7, wherein saidplurality of surface recesses are formed by a plurality of surfaceridges positioned on the upper surface of said annulus, and wherein saidplurality of surface ridges structurally reinforce said annulus.
 9. Thedevice as defined in claim 1, wherein said annulus further comprises aflange positioned above said annulus at its radially outer edge circularperimeter and extending horizontally beyond the outer edge of saidannulus, said flange being integral with said annulus, presenting aprojection to aid in removal of said apparatus.
 10. The device asdefined in claim 1, wherein said dome has a shape including the generalshape of an ovoid section, and wherein said dome further comprises adome top wall of a generally ovoid shape.
 11. The device as defined inclaim 11, wherein said dome top wall comprises at least two rigiditycross-channels positioned at the apex of said dome, and wherein said atleast two rigidity cross-channels comprise a long cylindricalindentation positioned along the long axis of said dome crossed by ashort cylindrical indentation positioned along the short axis of saiddome, said rigidity cross-channels providing structural support for saiddome.
 12. The device as defined in claim 11, wherein said dome furthercomprises a plurality of airflow apertures, said plurality of airflowapertures allowing unforced airflow between the interior and exteriorareas of said dome and away from a human subject's skin.
 13. The deviceas defined in claim 1, wherein said contact adhesive further comprisesdouble-coated medical tape, said double-coated medical tape comprisinghypoallergenic pressure-sensitive adhesives with high initial adhesionto a wide variety of substrates.
 14. The device as defined in claim 9,wherein said contact adhesive further comprises an adhesive protectivelayer, wherein said adhesive protective layer comprises a peel-offbacking.
 15. A device for deterring snoring posture in human subjects,said device comprising: an article of manufacture, said article having adome; a flexible annulus positioned at the base of said dome, saidannulus having a substantially planar lower surface positionable inproximity with a human subject's skin on the human subject's back, saidannulus being flexible to enable conformity of said substantially planarlower surface relative to the contour of that skin; a contact adhesiveon the substantially planar lower surface of said annulus for adheringsaid annulus to the skin of the human subject's back; said articleformed from a sheet material, and said article preferably being moldedfrom a resilient lightweight plastic material, being die-stamped on apunch press from sheet stock of amorphous polyethylene terephthalatewith a thickness of 0.0175 inches; said dome having a shape includingthe general shape of a spherical section, and said dome furthercomprising a plurality of arcuate ridges positioned orthogonally alongthe upper portion of the outer surface of said dome as structuralreinforcement for said dome, and said dome further comprising dome basewall, dome intermediate wall and dome top wall, and wherein said dometop wall forms the apex of said dome, and said dome intermediate wallprovides a generally smooth transition between said dome top wall anddome base wall; a plurality of surface recesses positioned on the lowersurface of said annulus, said plurality of surface recesses departingfrom the generally planar shape of that lower surface such that whenoperatively positioned on the skin of the back, said surface recessestend to form an opening defining airflow apertures which allow for airexchange between said annulus and the skin, and wherein said pluralityof surface recesses are formed by a plurality of surface ridgespositioned on the upper surface of said annulus, and wherein saidplurality of surface ridges structurally reinforce said annulus, andsaid annulus further comprising a flange positioned above said annulusat its radially outer edge circular perimeter and extending horizontallybeyond the outer edge of said annulus, said flange being integral withsaid annulus, presenting a projection to aid in removal of saidapparatus; said contact adhesive further comprising double-coatedmedical tape, said double-coated medical tape comprising hypoallergenicpressure-sensitive adhesives with high initial adhesion to a widevariety of substrates, and said contact adhesive further having anadhesive protective layer, wherein said adhesive protective layer has apeel-off backing.
 16. All other devices and methods substantially asdescribed.